Five of a kind taste-tests corn fritters

Veda Gilbert

One of the most popular items on this neighbourhood restaurant’s menu, chef and owner Andy Bedford keeps his sweet corn fritters ($14) simple. A corn and coriander batter mix is pan-fried and finished off in the oven, the corn allowing for a slightly sweet flavour against the contrasting savoury coriander. Served with a tomato and chilli chutney, sliced avocado and blistered cherry truss tomatoes, bacon and eggs makes it an ideal breakfast all-rounder.162-170 Queens Parade, Fitzroy North; 9486 2740; charliesrestaurant.com.au

8DAYS

Chin Chin's corn fritters.

There might be an Italian chef in the kitchen, but the inspiration behind the corn and gruyere fritters ($21) at 8days Café is purely South American. Two fried fritters hide beneath a dukkah dusted poached egg that rests upon guacamole covered smoked salmon (that’s resting upon a tomato salsetta base with red onion and coriander). It may sound Dr Seuss-esque but the multi-layered fritter-fest works, with each layer bringing a different flavour.1184 High Street, Armadale; 9500 9711; 8dayscafe.com.au

Advertisement

SOUTH OF JOHNSTON

It’s a DIY affair at South of Johnston with their corn fritters ($18.90) served on a long plate with a dollop of sweet tomato relish, with perfectly poached eggs and a pile of smashed avocado. Choose between a side of either grilled bacon or smoked salmon; field mushrooms are a vegetarian option. Then it’s up to you to decide how to devour them, though a good combo is a morsel of fritter smothered in guacamole, dipped in yolk with a little coriander garnish.46 Oxford Street, Collingwood; 9417 2741; southofjohnston.com.au

ST ALI SOUTH

St Ali South Melbourne’s most loved dish (it inspired a restaurant by the same name), My Mexican Cousin lives up to its reputation. The “secret recipe” has been tweaked, combining pureed and whole corn kernels, coriander, mint, parsley, garlic and chilli that is cooked until golden and crisp. Served on a bed of baby spinach with haloumi, kasundi, and poached (or fried) eggs, it’s no wonder St Ali North has followed suit making this dish ($17) a menu staple.12-18 Yarra Place, South Melbourne; 9686 2990; stali.com.au

CHIN CHIN

Proving that corn fritters need not be just for breakfast, Chin Chin’s ($16) is a “little something” offering. Pick up a piece of iceberg lettuce, add a little fresh mint and sliced ginger, slide in a spicy corn and coriander fritter ball, and smother it with chilli jam (the jam letting you control the heat). Light and refreshing, the fritters are an ideal starter to share or as a meal all on their own, whatever the time of day.125 Flinders Lane, Melbourne; 8663 2000; chinchinrestaurant.com.au